A majority of councils in Scotland – including Fife and Perth and Kinross – cannot say for sure how many wind turbines are up and running in their area.

Statistics requested using freedom of information legislation reveal only 10 local councils can say for sure how many turbines they have.

Others have stated they do not know or are only able to provide estimates based on planning applications.

Both Angus and Dundee councils were able to give a definitive answer, the former stating there are 20 turbines in the local authority area and the latter revealing they host nine.

However, Perth and Kinross could only “estimate” that there are 158 turbines running in the area while Fife Council estimated the region has 22.

Aberdeenshire officials estimate there are 284 operational turbines in their local authority area.

A total of 10 other councils either failed to respond or said they had no database including such details.

The revelations come just days after the Scottish Government overturned a controversial wind energy proposal which had originally been refused by a local authority.

Falkirk Council planners had said a scheme to build 13 huge turbines at Stoneridge would have “a major adverse visual impact on the landscape”.

Officials ruled that the windfarm would be visible from parts of Fife, as well as the Pentlands, the Ochils, Kilsyth Hills and the M8 motorway.

However, a Scottish Government planning reporter overruled the decision to refuse the application, meaning it can now be constructed.

Opponents were horrified by the decision – pointing out that the reporter himself noted the development would be “a noticeable feature in a mainly pleasant, varied and generally tranquil landscape”.

He also pointed out that noise levels generated would at times breach recommended limits for residents, but nevertheless insisted the concerns put forward by Falkirk Council “do not justify refusal of the application”.

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